Abrsm Or Trinity? Options

[flute fanatic]

Which one do you prefer?

[Scaramouche]

They both seem to have their advantages and disadvantages. I much prefer TG's syllabus, with less scales, and more appropriate aural. Their admin side of things is a bit awol from what I've heard. I'm yet to enter any candidates for TG, depsite wanting to, I want to test run it myself first.

[klavierboy]

Their processing of results is very quick as they come from the local representative. The quickest service I have had is an exam on a Friday with the results the next day and for the exams just finished I got the results on a Wednesday following the exam the previous Monday. This is at the Manchester centre: I do not know if this is typical.

I think their admin at head office is not as good, however. I once had a discrepancy between the results sheet which indicated a distinction whereas the certificate said the result was a merit. This was caused by the examiner copying the marks to his sheet incorrectly. Despite all their promises it was never resolved to my satisfaction. The pupil left the area and I left it to the parent to pursue.

I agree that their aural tests are more approachable and you can chose any 2 tests out of aural, sight reading, improvisation or musical knowledge.

[flute fanatic]

Aural is my weakest point in the ABRSM exams; it would be interesting to try a TG exam and see what is different.

The results waiting period would suit me too. I can't usually focus on anything else when waiting for exam results and drive my family round the bend.

[lizbun]

I might be doing my g5 oboe wiht trinity.

[flute fanatic]

I hope it goes well if you do go in for it with them.

[Violinia]

I'm not sure how TG works with all the scales - I know the scales are optional at the lower grades but when you get to Grade 8 there are as many scales as with the AB, so presumably at some point they must chuck vast numbers of scales at you. Perhaps this is at Grade 6?

In a way I do think less scales at the earlier grades is a good idea - all but the most mathematically-minded young kids start balking at the large numbers of scales the AB expect you to do from Grade 3 onwards - even Grade has rather a lot for most young kids.

TG admin - yes, a total nightmare, and best not approached by telephone unless you're blessed with an iron constitution. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Violinia

[angie]

I've just done a grade, and a student has also just done their grade with TG.

In my experience i would honestly say that both the aural and sight reading were easier with TG, and the joy of having the results the next day was fabulous (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

other than that, they were quite similar in standard, and if you contact your local rep instead of the main office you would probably get a better service (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

xx

[sarah-flute]

The main problem for me with TG is simply the difficulty of getting to exams. Without independent transport, the fact that there's a regular AB special visit within a 20 minute walk of my house is a mahooosive advantage.

If that weren't an issue I'd definitely try the TG syllabus out myself to have a go and see what I thought, but it just isn't an option for me at the moment.

[flute fanatic]

Just looked at a TG syllabus today and for flute gr.8, the pieces I played for my gr.8 with ABRSM were on the TG list too. Generally, the pieces looked better on the TG list. I noticed syrinx was on list c; shame it is not included in ABRSM syllabus.

[salrec]

I've always used AB, and have been very happy with all aspects of the exams.

However, I'm going to enter my daughter for Trinity Grade 6, just for the experience (mine, not hers!) so that I have a good way of comparing them.

The local AB centre is a six minute bike ride away, the Trinity exams will need a good half hour drive, so will need to be worth it - and I'd only consider them for the higher grades, anyway.

[flute fanatic]

What's good about trinity, is that their jazz grades go up to grade 8. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif)

[angie]

the trinity exams near to me take place in one of the local churches, so the accoustics were fabulous ......... and it was the church i got married in !!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[jod]

For me, it's not necessarily the board, but the syllabus which is the deciding factor. All exam boards have different emphasis in the syllabi, and some candidates are suited more to one than the other. I look at the candidate's skills, and then the syllabus; not the board, and then the syllabus. All the exam boards have their own strengths and weaknesses.

David

That's it in a nutshell. Generally singers do TG, Pianists do ABRSM and I haven't decided about the oboe yet except upper grade oboists who when I get one will do TG purely due to Orchestral Excerpt options. Everything is verified by the QCA so there's very little to choose between them on paper. (Theory is also ABRSM I like those exams) Things are based on what suits the pupil.

[Phil Dixon]

There is another interesting difference between AB and TG. TG allow the candidate to use a CD recording of the piano accompaniment. AB does not allow this. I teach brass, singing and guitar and have entered some of my students for AB exams. Trying to find a willing pianist is becoming a nightmare.